Design and Evaluation of a Digital Literacy Program for Public Library Users

Thesis Abstract

In the contemporary digital age, public access to information and digital literacy skills are fundamental to fostering inclusive participation in social, educational, and economic activities. Despite the increasing availability of digital resources within public libraries, many users insufficiently possess the necessary skills to effectively utilize these technologies, thus perpetuating digital divides and limiting their socio-economic empowerment. This study addresses the critical need to enhance digital literacy among public library users by designing, implementing, and evaluating a targeted digital literacy program. The primary aim is to develop an effective intervention that improves digital competence, with specific objectives to identify existing digital literacy gaps among users, create a comprehensive training curriculum, and assess the program’s impact on participants' digital skills and confidence. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative measures to evaluate changes in digital literacy levels and qualitative approaches to explore participants' experiences and perceptions. The population comprises adult users of city central public libraries, totaling approximately 3,000 individuals, from which a stratified random sample of 300 participants was selected to ensure demographic representativeness across age, education, and digital familiarity levels. Data collection instruments included a validated Digital Literacy Skills Assessment (DLSA), administered pre- and post-intervention, alongside semi-structured interview guides for focus group discussions. The digital literacy program was delivered over a six-week period, involving practical workshops, individual tutorials, and resource-based activities. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics for demographic profiling and baseline characteristics, paired-sample t-tests to measure statistically significant improvements in digital skills, and multiple regression analysis to examine the influence of demographic variables on skill acquisition. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data to identify recurring themes related to user engagement, perceived challenges, and program efficacy. The study also operationalized the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model to guide the program’s design and interpret user receptiveness. Expected findings include significant improvements in digital literacy scores post-intervention, with participants reporting increased confidence in conducting online searches, using digital applications, and engaging with digital civic services. The regression analysis is anticipated to reveal demographic factors such as age and education level as significant predictors of skill enhancement. Qualitative insights are projected to uncover barriers such as technological anxiety, infrastructural constraints, and motivation levels, which influence program outcomes. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirically tested frameworks for designing practical digital literacy interventions tailored to public library contexts, thereby bridging theoretical insights with applied community needs. It offers a replicable model for similar institutions seeking to foster digital inclusion and provides policy recommendations emphasizing the integration of targeted digital literacy programs into public library services, infrastructure enhancement, and ongoing user support. The study concludes that well-structured, context-specific digital literacy programs can significantly elevate user competence and confidence, ultimately reducing digital exclusion. It proposes that public libraries adopt scalable, sustainable training modules complemented by outreach activities aimed at underserved populations. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of such interventions, the role of digital literacy in fostering digital citizenship, and the integration of emerging technologies such as mobile learning tools to further enhance digital empowerment outcomes within public library systems.